I have been looking up the New Castle Mounted Rifles (With regards to SirDCC Post Helmet plates) there's not a great deal on this unit. In particular I'm looking for information on Captain Robert Bradstreet who was killed at Isandlwana. Any help would be appreciated. (A photo would be also appreciated)

Here's his name on the memorial at Isandlwana.






Source Zulu War - Volunteers, Irregulars & Auxiliaries By Ian Castle.

Hope it helps.

Hi Chelmsfordthescapegoat

According to the obit' in 'The Graphic' 17th May, 1879:
'Captain Robert Bradstreet,
Who was the second son of the late Major Charles Robert Bradstreet, H.E.I.C.S., was born in the Madras Presidency in April, 1838. He was educated at the King's School, Canterbury, and in the year 1861 proceeded to the colony of Natal, where he was for some time employed in directing the works of the formation of a breakwater at the mouth of the Umkomanzi River. He subsequently visited the Diamond Fields and Gold Fields, and latterly resided at the village of Newcastle, Natal, where he acted as Assistant Magistrate of the district. On the outbreak of the Zulu War Captain Bradstreet was chiefly instrumental in forming the Newcastle Mounted Rifle Volunteer Corps, of which, with the Buffalo Border Guard, he was in command at the ill-fated engagement at Isandlwhana. Captain Alan Gardner, in his account of the affair, says that he led the Mounted Volunteers under Captain Bradstreet to a small point in front of the camp, and that for a short time they were able to check the enemy, but that at length, being overpowered by numbers, they were forced to retire on the camp. The colonial papers state that when last seen poor Bradstreet was fighting vigorously with his sword, surrounded by Zulus, his ammunition being all expended. In 1874 Captain Bradstreet married a daughter of Dr. Scoble, of Natal, by whom he leaves a son and daughter.'

(Original spelling retained. JY) John Young Collection

Thanks to all for information. 1879Graves. Thanks for the link in the P.M I see Peter Quantrill, gives some useful infoe. All I need now is a photo. ??

hi ctsg.
I managed to find a sketch of Bradstreet and it is the same picture in several books , if you have ' They Fell Like Stones '
by noted zulu historian John Young it is on page 66. You may find a photograph in the Killie Campbell Library , but I am
certain if one does / did exist it would have been used by Young and Knight etc etc .
cheers 90th.

ps, Did you see the photo for sale of the Good Lord I posted for your perusal .

Hi Chelmsfordthescapegoat

From The Graphic

1879Graves. You are a diamond. Thanks very much. Its not the person I thought it was. Back to the drawing board. Could lead to some more helpfull reseach if you don't mind.